The Excalibur Award was established by the Rockford Register Star in 1971 to annually honor an individual whose outstanding service and commitment have made the Rock River Valley a better place to live, work and raise families. The winner receives a crystal Steuben Eagle.

What the nominator said: "I had the office next to Bill at Alpine Bank for 10 years and had a chance to observe his concern for the community and employees of the bank. His ethics and morals were always above reproach. He is a strong family man who practices his Christian beliefs in both his personal and business life. I can think of no other person more deserving of this award."

— Jack Packard, 1995 Excalibur winner

Who or what inspires you to do what you do? My father, Bob Roop, first and foremost. He was a founding member of Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days and was dedicated to serving our community. Through his actions, he demonstrated to his children how to be a part of the solution. We were taught that there are others less fortunate, and it is our job to help in any way we can. I am also inspired by Jack Packard and the Funderburg family. They have each mentored me in my life and career.

Your biggest challenge? Over the years, I have been asked to be involved with a number of different organizations. I have a strong passion for this community and would love to help every organization that needs assistance. Rob (Funderburg) and Alpine Bank have been very gracious to provide a platform for community involvement and service. My biggest challenge is accepting that I cannot help every organization that needs assistance.

If you had $1 million to give away, to whom or what would you give the money and why? I would focus my efforts on two areas: the education of our children and social services organizations that provide assistance to people getting back on their feet and becoming contributing members to our community. I believe that money also is not enough and would also volunteer my time.

Name something positive in the Rock River Valley that you'd like to see further developed: I'm more optimistic than ever about the educational process and the future of our public schools. The continuation and strengthening of the academy process along with greater affiliation to Rock Valley College and other four-year institutions are steps in the right direction. In these last years, we have made great strides in correcting some of the weaknesses in our community. As chairman of RAEDC (Rockford Area Economic Development Council), I was fortunate to be on the ground floor when we brought the Ford Foundation in to talk about the success of academies. I believe in this process.

Page 2 of 2 - What needs to happen for the region to reach, develop, train and retain our brightest students? As a community, we need to set goals and objectives, and all stakeholders need to take an active part in this process. I believe that Transform Rockford is gaining momentum. Achieving consensus on our community's future is on the horizon.

Who or what inspires you to do what you do? My father, Bob Roop, first and foremost. He was a founding member of Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days and was dedicated to serving our community. Through his actions, he demonstrated to his children how to be a part of the solution. We were taught that there are others less fortunate, and it is our job to help in any way we can. I am also inspired by Jack Packard and the Funderburg family. They have each mentored me in my life and career.

Your biggest challenge? Over the years, I have been asked to be involved with a number of different organizations. I have a strong passion for this community and would love to help every organization that needs assistance. Rob (Funderburg) and Alpine Bank have been very gracious to provide a platform for community involvement and service. My biggest challenge is accepting that I cannot help every organization that needs assistance.

If you had $1 million to give away, to whom or what would you give the money and why? I would focus my efforts on two areas: the education of our children and social services organizations that provide assistance to people getting back on their feet and becoming contributing members to our community. I believe that money also is not enough and would also volunteer my time.

Name something positive in the Rock River Valley that you'd like to see further developed: I'm more optimistic than ever about the educational process and the future of our public schools. The continuation and strengthening of the academy process along with greater affiliation to Rock Valley College and other four-year institutions are steps in the right direction. In these last years, we have made great strides in correcting some of the weaknesses in our community. As chairman of RAEDC (Rockford Area Economic Development Council), I was fortunate to be on the ground floor when we brought the Ford Foundation in to talk about the success of academies. I believe in this process.

What needs to happen for the region to reach, develop, train and retain our brightest students? As a community, we need to set goals and objectives, and all stakeholders need to take an active part in this process. I believe that Transform Rockford is gaining momentum. Achieving consensus on our community's future is on the horizon.